Who we are
SWALLOW is working to make sure that teenagers and adults with learning disabilities live the lives they choose through user led support.
"The staff help me to live a fulfilling life where I feel supported and safe."
Sarah
"SWALLOW has supported me to live a more independent life, including finding me my own home."
Dan
Our history
SWALLOW was established in 1993 by people with learning disabilities and a group of supporters who worked tirelessly to develop a new way of meeting people's needs; to provide an alternative to day centres and residential homes. Over the years we have developed our services in response to the wishes of our members. Our aim is to help as many people as we can with the resources that we have.
Governance
The charity has a robust governance structure to ensure the smooth running of all services and to ensure SWALLOW’s resources are used to the maximum benefit of our members.
John Cullum DL
Patron
John Cullum has a wealth of experience, both in the commercial and voluntary sectors. He is currently a Non-Executive Director/Chairman on various small business Boards.
A former High Sheriff of Somerset and now Deputy Lieutenant of Somerset and continues to support a wide range of local organisations as Chair of Bath Royal United Hospital’s Forever Friends Appeal Group and Chair of Bath Festivals.
John said: “I was very inspired by the caring and respectful support provided by dedicated staff and volunteers, enabling greater independent living and quality of life for young people and adults in our area. “Hopefully, I can help build both financial and voluntary support for SWALLOW to meet the demand for these growing needs in our community.”
Our staff
SWALLOW services are run by experienced caring professionals who receive up to date training and supervision. We are proud of our reputation for being a great place to work; we look after our staff and in turn they offer the highest quality support to our members.
Claire Blizzard
Beauchamp Senior Support Worker
Claireblizzard@swallowcharity.org
Angela Avola
Hive Community Cafe Manager
angelaavola@swallowcharity.org
Sam Newbold
Rota Administrator
samnewbold@swallowcharity.org
Lucy Gilbert
Human Resources Assistant
LucyGilbert@swallowcharity.org
Charlotte Sayers
Fundraising & Marketing Officer
charlottesayers@swallowcharity.org
Lily Slingo
Youth Club Leader
lilyslingo@swallowcharity.org
Trustees
We have a diverse board of 9 Trustees, who are appointed because of their commitment to supporting our members and each brings their own expertise, skills and passion to SWALLOW. They meet on a six weekly basis and play a vital role in ensuring we’re fulfilling our objectives.
See below to find out more about the members of the Trustee Board.
Stephen Barran
Chair of Trustees
I have been a SWALLOW Trustee since September 2015. I was invited to join because I have some experience of social housing. . When I looked at what SWALLOW does and how it works, I realised what an exceptional organisation it is, and was delighted to accept the invitation. What I like best about this organisation is the warm and supportive way in which the staff work with each other, and how the needs of the members drive everything that they do.
Sue Hawkey
Vice Chair of Trustees
I was volunteering at the Food Bank in Radstock which runs in the same building as the SWALLOW Cafe when I saw that SWALLOW was looking for new Trustees. I was so impressed with the atmosphere, food and members there that I wanted to see if I could get involved with what seemed such an excellent organisation. I hope to make a useful contribution
Tony German
Trustee
My brother David loved being part of SWALLOW. At boogie nights I met some of his friends and SWALLOW staff.
I’ve worked with lots of organisations helping people improve their lives in many countries. So I’m especially proud to be a part of SWALLOW’s great work to help people lead the lives they want, right here at home in Somerset.
David Vaughan
Trustee
My Friend Tim Watson told me about SWALLOW and invited me along with a view to my becoming a Trustee. I really liked the aims of SWALLOW. Bev and her terrific team do really makes a massive difference to the lives of the people we support get more out of life and are able, as far as possible, to live an independent life. I am an IT professional and project manager.
Chris Winpenny
Trustee
I have been a Trustee since October 1997 – over 20 years! The then project manager was advertising for a Treasurer so I applied as I wanted to do some voluntary work with my accounting skills. I have loved helping to grow SWALLOW into the successful charity it is today. I work with great staff and managers and of course the Members.
John Freeman
Trustee
I've been a Trustee at SWALLOW for around six years. I like that it is client driven that we all try to assist members in improving their self confidence. Also that it is friendly. I have always been involved in some way with local communities, I taught for 37 years, many of those in this local area.
Chris Negus
Trustee
I have recently joined this amazing charity as, after fifty years of teaching, training and advising in main and special education I felt the need to be of further use. I have come to realise that this exceptional charity has so much warmth, expertise and energy to give its members, and I’m looking forward to offering support wherever I can.
Jill Souter
Trustee
SWALLOW has been supporting my daughter for 3 years now. She works in the cafe and moved into a supported living flat last year. I have been really impressed by the level of care and support that she has received.
I wanted that work to be able to continue to grow and develop and to give something back to Swallow, so I have joined the team of trustees .
Kate Atkinson
Honorary Vice President
Tony Quinn
Honorary Vice President
Management Committee
Key to the running of SWALLOW is the Management Committee made up of 13 members each representing the views and thoughts of the wider membership. The Management Committee is consulted on all major decisions around the development of SWALLOW, a Trustee sits in at each meeting and reports back to the Board.
See below to find out more about some of the members of the Management Committee (not all of the Management Committee are pictured).
Paul Davis
Management Committee
Leanne Hicks-Davis
Management Committee
Michael Wride
Management Committee
Lucy Cotterell
Management Committee
Daniel Bates
Management Committee
Ann Wescott
Management Committee
Neil Shearn
Management Committee
Sam Williams
Management Committee
Sarah Tarrant
Management Committee